A lovely article in the Galway Advertiser about the importance of shopping local which includes piece from our very own Amelia...
SHOP LOCAL Maggie Murphy– McCambridges, Shop Street
I began working at the coffee bar when it was launched two and a half years ago, which has since become a hub for local residents and business employees.
My customers are an integral and valued part of its continuing success. I’ve built up
a rapport with people because I see them every day, which is the reason why
shopping locally is so important to me, particularly at Christmas.
I make a point of taking my business to them in their workplace to return the
support that they provide to me during the year.
We look to our neighbours to support us through the tough times and to me
shopping locally represents the sense of community that we share here in the city
centre.

Regina Cooke – Regis, Lower Abbeygate Street
By shopping at Regis you are supporting Irish designers, and creating local
employment.When you come to the shop you are not just spending money locally but your
money then goes on to creating further employment with these designers, and
supporting other connected businesses. Regis has been open for 18 years now thanks to the
commitment of the public to shop local.
Shopping local is all about allowing customers to benefit from the personal
touch, and good service. In my job I have built a great rapport and lasting
relationships with customers, which is important to me, and is why shopping local is so important.

Sinead Coughlan – Public Romance
The way I look at shopping local is it being a win win situation for the shops and
the community as a whole. If people shop in Public Romance they are also supporting
local designers. It’s a cycle that creates a multiple effect in the community, every
euro spent locally is redistributed throughout the local economy and inevitably comes full circle.
I have a strong relationship with my customers, and as a result I can tailor the
stock to their needs, and even offer free alterations.
Customers benefit as much as business owners by shopping local in the service
they get. I am from Galway, I buy local and sell local products. All the money spent in my
shop goes straight back into the local economy

Amelia Colleran, Ard Bia, Nimmos, Spanish Arch
Having grown up in a family run business I know all about the
importance of shopping local. My mother would always buy her messages at Billy O'Connors
in Salthill, and Mc Cambridges. She would buy bread from Griffins, fruit and vegetables
from the Saturday Market, clothes from Anthony Ryans, and shoes from Flannagans, all of which are
still around today. My family’s butcher shop is celebrating three generations and 75 years of
business having survived every economic down turn by providing excellent customer service, superior product, buying Irish, and giving back to
the community through local charities and events.

I'd like to think these are some of the values and importance of
shopping local that I bring to the customers of Ard Bia.
Ard Bia is all about supporting the community whether it be through
local artists, buying Irish products or having all local suppliers.
Working so closely with our customers is what makes my job fun and
supporting their business is only natural.

Fiona Ward, L’Occitane, Eglinton Street, Galway
I think shopping local in Galway is important, particularly around Christmas
time. It creates extra jobs and helps the local economy.
Galway as a destination is lovely as its quite compact, which makes things easier
for shoppers. Shopping in L’Occitane offers the customer far better service than buying online.
We are fully trained so you get expertise and personal interaction.
Specialising in fragrances I think it is important for customers to sample the products.
I always find Galway to be a great location with an enjoyable atmosphere, which
also creates a sense of community, without people shopping local we would not
have that special atmosphere.